[BMW DIY Guy]

I was VERY excited to get hands on with this gorgeous M5 CS and complete the audio upgrade with the new Bimmertech Alpha One amp. This unit was just released and pairs perfectly with the full set of Alpha One speakers that were installed previously in this car.

The short version of my rant is: The HK speakers suck, sorry, they really do especially when in a premium car like the M5 CS. The hifi speakers should be discontinued, and the HKs as the base model for all BMWs. The premium offerings of the B&Os are very good, though the subs can be easily (and should be) improved.

I would upgrade every single BMW I see if I could with Alpha Ones throughout, and have done so in every car I have had for years, and will do so immediately in the new G87 M2.

The amp install for this stellar M5 CS was very easy, and I wanted to share the process so you can do the same in any F90 M5. If you need Alpha One upgrades, give me a shout as I can get you the hookup on the upgrade as well, for almost any BMW model!

Check it out!

[Jambo1]

Hmmm. Bimmertech website says the amp is not available for my VIN (2022 M5C).

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by Jambo1

Hmmm. Bimmertech website says the amp is not available for my VIN (2022 M5C).

Shoot me a DM, I can likely help.

[hunter8793]

Any chance this will work well with a HK car that has Bavsound speakers and subs installed already?

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by hunter8793

Any chance this will work well with a HK car that has Bavsound speakers and subs installed already?

Very likely yes, shoot me a message and I can confirm for you.

[NCRob]

You mentioned above the Bowers & Wilkins subs CAN be improved? How so?

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by NCRob

You mentioned above the Bowers & Wilkins subs CAN be improved? How so?

Talking with Bimmertech, they will recommend their plug n play Alpha One subs in BW cars. The A1 subs are excellent. In addition I know they are working on a new line of speakers, that will be superior to any and all of the oem setups.

[NCRob]

Originally Posted by BMW DIY Guy

Talking with Bimmertech, they will recommend their plug n play Alpha One subs in BW cars. The A1 subs are excellent. In addition I know they are working on a new line of speakers, that will be superior to any and all of the oem setups.

If that’s the case then that is awesome! I, as with likely most everyone else was under the impression there was no plug and play BW replacement!

Oh, I just made the connection to your name on here with the YT channel. Love your content!

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by NCRob

If that’s the case then that is awesome! I, as with likely most everyone else was under the impression there was no plug and play BW replacement!

Oh, I just made the connection to your name on here with the YT channel. Love your content!

Thank you so much! Let me know how I can help!

[Mr. Jonathan]

I contacted Bimmertech and was told A1 subs are not compatible with B&W.

[F10Mfizzy]

Is it complete plug and play ? I got a 2020 m5 with Harmon Karson. Just had the car coded and he installed the bowers features and not for nothing made the Harmons sound a lot better! But now I’m thinking these speakers will be even better … what’s the cost on a full set with amp I currently have the Harmon

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by F10Mfizzy

Is it complete plug and play ? I got a 2020 m5 with Harmon Karson. Just had the car coded and he installed the bowers features and not for nothing made the Harmons sound a lot better! But now I’m thinking these speakers will be even better … what’s the cost on a full set with amp I currently have the Harmon

Shoot me a message or better an email and we can figure out your setup. Happy to help!

[MikeFish]

Originally Posted by Mr. Jonathan

I contacted Bimmertech and was told A1 subs are not compatible with B&W.

Do you know if this is because they have different connections or not compatible due to impedance / wattage etc?

[Mr. Jonathan]

Unfortunately bimmertech sales/customer service did not say. I will say points to them for being honest. I recommend asking the question to verify for yourself if you’re looking into a purchase. I decided to just add an amp, single sub and LoC (professionally installed). Cost is the relatively the same.

[MikeFish]

Originally Posted by Mr. Jonathan

Unfortunately bimmertech sales/customer service did not say. I will say points to them for being honest. I recommend asking the question to verify for yourself if you’re looking into a purchase. I decided to just add an amp, single sub and LoC (professionally installed). Cost is the relatively the same.

Thanks for the reply. I've done the amp, sub and LOC thing already on my car. Whilst doing that I added another amp to feed the underseat woofers which allowed me to add a little bit of high pass filter so they don't drop as low as before (the big sub can handle the low lows). But I'm wondering if it's an easy upgrade to throw in a set of Focal, Steg, Morel etc. Pretty sure i read the B&W woofers have a different connection to the HK etc that the aftermarkets have.